Help For Heroes tending to hidden wounds

Off By Ed Hanna

After Serving for 20 years in the Army, Darren was medically discharged, and his world fell apart. In pain. Out of work. Experiencing PTSD. Isolated. At times, he felt his only option was to take his own life.

“In the Military, you have a routine and a community of people looking out for you. Because I was medically discharged there was no transition to civilian life. Thankfully, my mum supported me. She did everything for me. If it wasn’t for her, I’d have ended up another homeless Veteran.

I’d injured my legs and spine which left me in pain and unable to work. On top of this, memories of being abused as a child haunted me and PTSD came to the fore. Then my marriage failed.

Eventually I had a complete nervous breakdown. I knew I needed help. Reaching out to Help for Heroes was the best decision I ever made. Rose from their mental health service, Hidden Wounds, really listened and made me feel like I mattered again.

The charity helped me get into training, leading me to compete in powerlifting. Then I joined a gym where I now work as a manager. Working and training among friends is like finding a second family.

Elsewhere, the Help for Heroes choir has also introduced me to some incredibly special people. Singing is a great healer and has really boosted my confidence.

Before I contacted Help for Heroes, I thought the only way out was suicide. The difference between then and now is night and day.”